WORK SESSION

 

APRIL 26, 2021

 

At a WORK SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island held via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 26^th day of April 2021 at 6:30 PM.

 

            PRESENT:    Abel G. Collins, President

Rory H. McEntee, Vice President

                                    Deborah D. Bergner

                                    Deborah J. Kelso

                                    Jessica L. Rose

 

 

1.         A.        INTERVIEWS

 

The Town Council interviews Jude Nuzum relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Economic Development Committee.

 

The Town Council interviews Joanne Esposito relative to her interest in being reappointed to the Economic Development Committee.

 

The Town Council interviews Larry Fish relative to his interest in being reappointed to the Economic Development Committee.

 

The Town Council interviews Alicia Johnson relative to her interest in being appointed to the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee.

 

The Town Council interviews Cali Babbitt Spears relative to her interest in being appointed to the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee.                          

 

1.         B.        WORK SESSION

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Public Hearing on this evening’s Agenda for consideration and adoption of the Town Council’s Final Budget for FY2021-2022. Potential adjustments include waivers of PILOT agreements for the South Kingstown Housing Authority and Jonnycake Center, and School Committee supplemental budget requests.

 

Councilwoman Rose requests to add to the Agenda discussion of a school bond referendum mailer that was sent to South Kingstown students. 

 

Discussion ensues relative to Communication Item 8J from Councilwoman Bergner requesting that the Town provide her with a printer for her Council laptop.

 

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12H authorizing the waiver of permitting fees associated with the electrical work to be performed at the Peace Dale Elementary School.

Discussion ensues relative to New Business Item 12K adopting Executive Order 2020-14 (Second Amendment) extending COVID-19 related Administrative Leave to employees, and New Business Item 12J extending the Town’s Declaration of Emergency. Discussion ensues relative to social distancing restrictions being lifted by the end of May, and the potential to return to in-person or hybrid meetings, in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders.

 

Convened to Regular Session.

 

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk

 

 

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

 

APRIL 26, 2021

 

At a REGULAR SESSION of the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown, County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, held via video- and tele-conference, in and for said Town on the 26^th day of April 2021 at 7:30 PM.

 

            PRESENT:    Abel G. Collins, President

Rory H. McEntee, Vice President

                                    Deborah D. Bergner

                                    Deborah J. Kelso

                                    Jessica L. Rose

 

 

 

1.         C.        REGULAR SESSION

 

2.         PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

 

The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is given.

 

3.         ROLL CALL

 

Roll Call is taken and all members are present.

 

Council President Collins reviews the access and call-in procedures for the public to view and/or participate in this evening’s virtual meeting.

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

 

A.        Work Session:  UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Work Session held on April 12, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

B.        Regular Sessions:  UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Regular Sessions held on April 12, April 14 and April 15, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

C.        Closed Executive Session:  UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held on April 12, 2021 are accepted.

 

5.         CONSENT AGENDA

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to approve the Consent Agenda as indicated by (CA) on same.

 

(CA)    6C.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling Licenses to the following; Renewals:

 

A & A Sandwich Shops, Inc. d/b/a Subway, 684 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879. Application by Khalid Amri, President. License No. 59619.

 

Aunties Kitchen, LLC d/b/a Aunties Kitchen, 237 Robinson Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Kathy Curley, Member. License No. 60895.

 

Breakfast Nook Inc., II d/b/a Breakfast Nook II, 575 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Richard Seddon, President. License No. 59646.

 

Meldgies Rivers Edge Café, Inc. d/b/a Meldgie’s Rivers Edge Café, 406B Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Mark Eldridge, President. License No. 61432.

 

(CA)    6D.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Victualling and Holiday Sales Licenses to Jennifer’s Chocolates, 160 Old Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Jennifer Dowell, Owner; Renewal. License No. 61338.

 

(CA)    6E.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Holiday Sales License to Mattress Firm, Inc. d/b/a Mattress Firm #17004, 26 South County Commons Way, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Angela Brannon, Licensing; Renewal. License No. 61167.

 

(CA)    6F.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant Holiday Sales and Laundry Licenses to Kingston Cleaners, Inc. d/b/a Pier Cleaners, 50 High Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.  Application by Larry Fish, President; Renewal. License No.59914.

 

(CA)    8A.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a letter dated March 22, 2021 from Aimee Reiner tendering her resignation as Director of Administrative Services is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8B.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that emails from Paula Bradley concerning the South Kingstown High School accreditation, and responses from Dr. Chip McGair, SKHS Principal, Linda Savastano, School Superintendent, and Emily Cummiskey, School Committee Chairperson are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8C.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 8, 2021 from Karen Humes concerning appointments to the School Building Committee is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8D.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 9, 2021 from Joslin Leasca concerning the distribution of information by elected school officials and school personnel regarding the School Facilities Bond Referendum is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8E.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 11, 2021 from Lauren Ralph concerning the School Facilities Plan is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8F.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a communication dated April 12, 2021 from Stephen J. Elmasian, Armenian National Committee of RI requesting permission to fly their flag at Town Hall on April 24^th to mark the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide during World War I is received, placed on file and the request is granted.

 

(CA)    8G.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that resolutions adopted April 12, 2021 by the Westerly Town Council and April 15, 2021 by the Glocester Town Council in opposition to gun control legislation pending in the General Assembly are received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8I.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 13, 2021 from Lauren Weinstock expressing concerns regarding Council member discussions during the community comments portion of the Town Council meeting held on April 12, 2021 is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8K.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 15, 2021 from Tara Schold expressing concerns regarding School Committee member Sarah Markey’s participation in a local vigil and fundraiser is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8M.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 20, 2021 from Joe “Tiger” Patrick, Commander, VFW Post 916 advising of the installation of Purple Heart Town signs along the RI Purple Trail is received and placed on file.

 

(CA)    8N.      UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that any communication added to the Agenda subsequent to this is hereby added by majority vote, in accordance with RIGL §42-46-6 (b) Notice --…  “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members.  Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”

 

(CA)    12B.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Tax Assessor to abate taxes in the total amount of $590.36, as shown on Tax Abatement Request No. 584.

 

(CA)    12C.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice a Public Hearing relative to an application for expansion of a license to keep and sell alcoholic beverages in South Kingstown in accordance with the General Laws of 1956, as amended, as follows:

 

CLASS B VICTUALLER LIQUOR LICENSE

 

Application for expansion of a Class B Victualler Liquor License by David Barnes Development, Inc. d/b/a Mews Tavern, 456 Main Street, Wakefield, RI by Daniel Rubino, Vice President for the expanded service area at the rear of the existing building within the existing parking lot, consisting of a curbside pickup kiosk and hostess station with dining seating and border/separation from the parking and vehicle access, approximate 8,000 square feet, in accordance with a Special Use Permit granted March 17, 2021 by the Zoning Board of Review; and as further defined in a site plan dated April 14, 2021 on file in the Town Clerk’s office.

 

(CA)    12F.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Shi International Corporation, 290 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873 for a computer management system in an amount not to exceed $7,200, in accordance with RI Master Pricing Agreement #227; as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Technology to the Town Manager dated April 20, 2021 and entitled “Computer Management System Recommendation.”

 

(CA)    12G.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Shi International Corporation, 290 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, NJ 08873 for remote management software in an amount not to exceed $9,600, in accordance with RI Master Pricing Agreement #227; as further described in a memorandum from the Director of Technology to the Town Manager dated April 20, 2021 and entitled “Remote Management Software Recommendation.”

 

(CA)    12L.    UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that any New Business added to the Agenda subsequent to this is hereby added by majority vote, in accordance with RIGL §42-46-6 (b) Notice --…  “Nothing contained herein shall prevent a public body, other than a school committee, from adding additional items to the agenda by majority vote of the members.  Such additional items shall be for informational purposes only and may not be voted on except where necessary to address an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public or to refer the matter to an appropriate committee or to another body or official.”

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to add to the Agenda for discussion purposes the school bond referendum mailer that was sent to South Kingstown students.

 

6.         LICENSES

 

A.        Amy Rice is present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Miscellaneous Permit to conduct the Sprint Triathlon in South Kingstown on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 9:00 AM to On Your Left Racing, PO Box 4340, Middletown, RI 02852 subject to the execution of a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the Town, issuance of a certificate of insurance naming the Town as an additional insured for the event in the amounts specified by the Finance Director, and RIDOT approval.  Application by Amy Rice, Race Director, 19 Egypt Street, Ashaway, RI 02804; Renewal. License No. 68783.

 

B.        Keri Lyn Garrepy and Jeffrey Collins are present, and after testimony and discussion it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant a Victualling License to South County Bread Company, LLC d/b/a South County Bread Company, 333 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879 subject to approval by the RI Department of Health and issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Application by Jeffrey Collins, Member, 53 Sunset View Boulevard, Wakefield, RI 02879; New. License No. 69909.

 

7.         PUBLIC HEARING

 

A.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing is held relative to adoption of the Town Council’s Final FY 2021-2022 budget.

 

The Town Manager and Finance Director review proposed changes from the adopted Preliminary Budget Program. The tax rate is proposed to remain at the current year level of $14.45 per thousand. There has been growth in the tax roll, and State Aid projections are tracking well so there is no need for major adjustments. It is proposed to level fund the Property Tax Transfer to the Schools at $55,994,773, and add language to allow for quarterly reviews and requests for supplementary appropriations.

 

Discussion ensues relative to funding for the Peace Dale Office Building, Senior Services, Neighborhood Guild, Community Recreation Center, and Debt Service.

 

Discussion ensues relative to the Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Enterprise Funds.

 

Discussion ensues relative to requests for waiver of Payment In Lieu Of Tax (PILOT) agreements by the South Kingstown Housing Authority and Jonnycake Center. The Housing Authority is requesting a different PILOT than they have under federal HUD rules. Discussion ensues relative to providing the funding through grants under the Outside Agencies and Human Services Agencies account. 

 

Discussion ensues relative to providing an ink stipend to Council members from the Town Council’s departmental contingency account. 

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize a waiver of property taxes and approve a Payment In Lieu Of Tax (PILOT) agreement with Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale for the low income rental properties acquired from the Welcome House.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to grant $18,000 to the South Kingstown Housing Authority from the Outside Agencies account, to be offset by savings in the personnel and benefits account.

 

Zachary Saul, Finance Director discusses the School Department request for a Property Tax Transfer of $57,053,074, an increase of $1,058,301 or 1.89% from the FY 2020-2021 appropriation. The Town Council’s Preliminary Budget provides for a Property Tax Transfer of $55,994,773, level with the current year appropriation. The School Committee has identified $468,000 in adjustments, and are looking at transportation, OPEB, and other costs for potential additional savings.

 

Discussion ensues relative to including language in the budget allowing for the School to present quarterly requests for supplemental appropriations, if necessary, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that the School Committee shall have specific authority to request supplemental appropriations at the beginning of each quarter of the 2021-2022 fiscal year.  

 

The following are in attendance and offer comments:

 

Greg Sweet

Gary Chapman

Joslin Leasca

Jacy Northup

Dorald Beasley

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to close the Public Hearing.

 

Discussion ensues, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt the Town Council’s Final FY 2021-2022 Budget, as amended, as follows:

 

 

Town Council Adopted FY 2021-2022 Final Budget

 

 

Discussion ensues relative to a political mailer concerning the School Bond Referendum that was sent to South Kingstown School District students. Concerns are expressed regarding how a list of students’ home addresses was obtained by a third party, confidentiality issues, and the safety and protection of children. Discussion ensues relative to whether the list was provided by the School Department or there was a data breach. Discussion ensues relative to the Council’s authority to investigate this matter, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to refer the matter of the political mailer concerning the School Bond Referendum that was sent to students to the Town Solicitor to review and report back to the Town Council regarding their options to conduct an investigation.

 

8.         COMMUNICATIONS

 

H.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that a resolution adopted April 12, 2021 by the Westerly Town Council in opposition to Senate Bill S 0259 and House Bill H 6067 An Act Relating to Aeronautics is received and placed on file.

 

J.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 15, 2021 from Councilwoman Deborah D. Bergner requesting that the Town provide her with a printer for her Council laptop is received and placed on file.

 

L.         UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: that an email dated April 18, 2021 from Hannah Morini tendering her resignation from the Sustainability Committee is accepted, and the Town Council directs that a letter of thanks be sent.

 

9.         COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED CITIZENS

 

Council President Collins invites residents to come forward with comments.

 

Dorald Beasley comments on the School Department’s policy on confidentiality of records, and the School Bond Referendum.

 

Paula Bradley is in attendance and comments on investigating the political mailer and the security of children’s information.

 

Raissa Mosher is in attendance and comments on the School policy regarding consent for disclosure.

 

Paula Whitford is in attendance and expresses concern with the release of students’ information and support for an investigation.

 

Greg Sweet comments on the School Facilities Plan and the projected funding.

 

Jason Colvin is in attendance and comments on the political mailer.

 

Joslin Leasca expresses concerns regarding a potential data breach.

 

Karen Humes is in attendance and expresses concern with the political mailer and support for an investigation.

 

Gary Chapman comments on the School Facilities Plan.

Roberta Mulholland is in attendance and comments on the political mailer and potential investigation, and the Voter Information Guide for the School Bond Referendum.

 

Emil Jarczynski is in attendance and expresses concern with increased traffic at Curtis Corner Middle School with new high school plans.

 

Bryan Yagoobian is in attendance and comments on the political mailer and potential investigation.

 

10.       TOWN MANAGER’S REPORT

 

The Town Manager’s Interim Report dated April 15, 2021, and the Miscellaneous Report dated April 22, 2021 are accepted, approved and placed on file.

 

11.       APPOINTMENTS

 

A.           UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Cali Babbitt Spears to the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee for a term to expire in August 2022.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Alicia Johnson to the Affordable Housing Collaborative Committee for a term to expire in August 2022.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to reappoint Joanne Esposito, Larry Fish and Jude Nuzum to the Economic Development Committee for a term to expire in March of 2024.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to appoint Kenneth James Tetzner to the Economic Development Committee to fill a term to expire in March 2022.

 

12.       NEW BUSINESS

 

A.           UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Clerk to advertise for Order of Notice Public Hearings relative to proposed amendments to the Town Code, Chapter 14 Planning, Article I. In General, Section 14-2 Affordable housing fund; and proposed amendments to Chapter 17 Taxation that would add a new Article VII. Property Tax Relief for the Creation of New Accessory Dwelling Units for Low and Moderate Income individuals.

 

D.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the Town Manager to enter into, and execute, a two- (2) year solid waste and recycling services agreement with the RI Resource Recovery Corporation, 65 Shun Pike, Johnston, RI 02919-4512 for the disposal of municipal solid waste and recyclables for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023; and as further described in a memorandum from the Public Services Director to the Town Manager dated April 19, 2021 and entitled “RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Recycling Services Agreement for FY 2021-2022 & FY 2022-2023.”

 

E.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of contract to Advantage Preservation, 1035 33^rd Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 for microfilm digitization and web archive services in an amount not to exceed $11,305; as further described in a memorandum from the Library Director to the Town Manager dated April 20, 2021 and entitled “Microfilm Digitization and Web Archive.”

 

H.        UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize the waiver of permitting fees in the amount of $356 associated with the electrical work to be performed at the Peace Dale Elementary School; as further described in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated April 21, 2021 and entitled “Waive an Electrical Inspection Fee.”

 

I.              UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to authorize an award of bid to Martone Service Co., Inc., 22 Sextant Lane, Narragansett, RI 02882 to furnish labor, supplies and all appurtenances for storm window replacement and window repair in the Town Council chambers in an amount not to exceed $19,760; and as further detailed in a memorandum from the Facilities Superintendent to the Town Manager dated April 21, 2021 and entitled “Bid Recommendation – Storm Window Replacement and Window Repair.”

 

J.            VOTED: to extend the Town’s Declaration of Emergency adopted at an Emergency Session on March 15, 2020 and subsequently renewed on April 13, 2020, May 11, 2020, June 8, 2020, July 13, 2020, August 11, 2020, September 14, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 9, 2020, December 14, 2020, January 11, 2021, January 25, 2021, February 22, 2021 and March 22, 2021, as follows.

 

Councilwoman Bergner voted no.

 

Town of South Kingstown

Renewed Declaration of Emergency

 

On March 15, 2020, pursuant to Sec. 3214 of the South Kingstown Home Rule Charter, the Town Council declared the existence of an emergency. The basis for the Council’s emergency declaration was the danger to health and life posed by the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, as set forth in Governor Gina Raimondo’s Executive Order 20-02 dated March 9, 2020 declaring a state of emergency, and Executive Order 20-03 dated March 13, 2020 containing a supplemental emergency declaration.  Governor Raimondo extended the state of emergency as set forth in Executive Order 20-23 on April 10, 2020, and it was further extended on May 7, June 4, July 3, July 31, September 2, October 2, November 2, December 2, December 22, 2020, January 19, and February 16, 2021. Governor Daniel McKee further extended the state of emergency on March 16, and April 21, 2021.  The Town Council voted to extend the date of the local emergency declaration on April 13, 2020, and it was further extended on May 11, June 8, July 13, August 11, September 14, October 13, November 9, December 14, 2020, January 11, January 25, February 22, and March 22, 2021.

 

Since the Council’s declaration of emergency, the Governor of the State of Rhode Island has issued 140 further supplemental emergency declarations (as of April 21, 2021) relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and circumstances have continued to be dire both locally, statewide, and nationwide.  On April 21, 2021, Governor McKee issued Executive Order 21-37 further extending the state of emergency to May 20, 2021.  Therefore, the Town Council deems it prudent to declare that a state of emergency continues to exist in Town, and hereby extends the end date of its emergency declaration from April 26, 2021 to May 24, 2021.  The substance of the Council’s declaration of emergency remains in full force and effect, except to the extent that it has been superseded by an Executive Order of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island.

 

The Council hereby delegates the authority to the Town Manager to take any and all actions deemed necessary to address the ongoing emergency. The Town Manager shall report actions taken pursuant to this emergency declaration to the Council and to the public as soon as practicable, including ongoing updates on the Town’s website.

 

This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until May 24, 2021 unless renewed, modified, or terminated by a subsequent ordinance. Provided, however, that if the statewide state of emergency is not extended by executive order of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island on or before May 20, 2021, this Ordinance shall expire on that date.

 

K.           UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adopt Executive Order 2020-14 (Second Amendment) extending COVID-19 related Administrative Leave to employees, as follows:

 

Emergency Management Director

Executive Order 2020-14 (Second Amendment)

 

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, the State of Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo issued Executive Order 20-03 declaring a state of emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19; and the Town Council of the Town of South Kingstown declared a state of emergency through an emergency ordinance enacted on March 15, 2020 to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; and

 

WHEREAS, the Federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), enacted in March 2020, required certain employers, including the Town of South Kingstown, to provide their employees with paid sick leave benefits for specified reasons related to COVID-19; and

 

WHEREAS, the FFCRA benefits were available between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020; and

 

WHEREAS, the FFCRA benefits were not extended as part of the recent Federal coronavirus relief and spending package; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town recognizes significant local impacts related to COVID-19 will continue to exist after December 31, 2020; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town recognizes that quarantine and isolation are critical and effective methods to combat the spread of COVID-19 within our community and within our workforce;

 

NOW THEREFORE, the following emergency measures are hereby enacted:

 

1. Beginning January 1, 2021, the Town of South Kingstown will provide COVID-19 related Administrative Leave to its Full Time and Part Time employees.

 

2. Said COVID-19 Administrative Leave will be provided to employees who are unable to work, or unable to telework, due to the following reasons:

 

1. The employee is subject to Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
2. The employee has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19; or
3. The employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis

 

3. Said COVID-19 Administrative Leave is available for up to two weeks of the employee’s regular schedule, and will mirror the FFCRA Sick Leave benefits the Town provided employees between April 1 and December 31, 2020. 

 

4. Said COVID-19 Administrative Leave, when combined with FFCRA Sick Leave benefits previously used, shall not exceed two weeks of an employee’s regular schedule. 

 

a.    If an employee has previously exhausted the two weeks of FFCRA Sick Leave benefits, the employee will not be eligible for COVID-19 Administrative Leave.

b.    If an employee has previously exhausted a portion of the two weeks of FFCRA Sick Leave benefits, the employee will only be eligible for COVID-19 Administrative Leave for the difference.

 

5. Employees who are subject to travel-related quarantine requirements are not eligible for said COVID-19 Administrative Leave.

 

This executive order 2020-14 shall remain in effect until May 31, 2021 or the expiration of the State declaration of emergency, whichever is sooner.  This executive order 2020-14 may be further extended if necessary by a subsequent executive order.

 

13.       CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A.           UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to adjourn to Closed Executive Session at 10:50 PM pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(9) relative to any hearings on, or discussions of, a grievance filed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, employee termination arbitration; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel.

 

It is noted that the individual(s) who is/are the subject of this Closed Executive Session have been notified of their right to have this discussion in open session.

 

Regular Session is reconvened at 11:47 PM, and it is

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED: to seal the minutes of the Closed Executive Session held pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(9) relative to any hearings on, or discussions of, a grievance filed pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, employee termination arbitration; and pursuant to RIGL §42-46-5(a)(1) to discuss matters pertaining to personnel.

 

It is noted that a motion was made and voted in Closed Executive Session to continue both matters under discussion to April 30, 2021 at 6 PM.

 

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED:  to adjourn at 11:48 PM.

 

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk